July 17, 2025
The 2025 AARC Summer Forum, held at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, concluded on Monday, July 14, after three amazing days of learning, networking, and fun, with more than 650 registered respiratory care leaders and educators in attendance. Thank you to all our attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors for an outstanding and inspiring event. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to all the individuals who donated to the ARCF and the Disaster Relief Fund. Here’s a brief recap of the meeting:
Friday: Master Class
On Friday afternoon, the learning began with the Master Class: Beyond the Algorithm: AI’s Practical Role in RT Education, Leadership, & Management with Lauren Driscoll, MHPE, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS; Lindsay Fox, MEd, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS; Carl Hinkson, MS, RRT-NPS, ACCS, FAARC; Marby McKinney, DHSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, and Christopher Whelchel, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS. The class examined how AI influences respiratory care education, clinical decision–making, and operational efficiency. AARC thanks ABM Respiratory Care, Drager, Corvent Medical, Viatris, and Theravance Biopharma for their support of the Masterclass.
Saturday: Leadership and Learning for All Levels
Day 1 began with a high-energy and heartfelt welcome from AARC President Dana Evans MHA, RRT-NPS, FAARC, followed by the S.P. “Sam” Giordano Leadership Lecture on Strengthening Collaboration for Effective Workforce Development, with Katie Burr, MSM-HCA, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC, Jerin Juby, DMgt, RRT, and Teri Miller, MEd, RRT, CPFT, FAARC. This beginning set the bar high and was followed by additional presentations on balancing leadership development, educational best practices, and strategic workforce management, all designed to equip respiratory care professionals with tools for growth and program innovation.
Attendees were also treated to a complimentary buffet lunch this year on both Saturday and Sunday, where they had the opportunity to continue networking with colleagues and friends throughout the lunch break.
Later in the afternoon, the new Expo Meet & Greet event allowed attendees to see the latest and greatest in RT equipment and services, as well as engage with our exhibitors and sponsors. Thank you to OneVisionRC for their support of the Expo Meet and Greet event.
The day came to a close with another outstanding Welcome Party, set in the Caribbean Ballroom, featuring great food, dancing, laughs, prizes, and some great tunes by a local DJ. AARC thanks Medtronic for their sponsorship of the Welcome Party.
Sunday: More Learning and Development
Day 2 offered a mix of exam prep tips, immersive learning techniques, and leadership development, complete with sessions on conflict management and embracing authenticity in AI-driven times. The engaging Jimmy A. Young Memorial Lecture, Unveiling the New Respiratory Therapy Examination, kicked off the day, offering critical insights for future exam-takers. The education track covered integrating clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), leveraging empathy in leadership, and “SimSational” simulations to boost student readiness. The track also included sessions such as Win-Win: Creating High-Impact Learning Experiences and strategies to foster professionalism outside the classroom. The Leadership Track featured conflict-resolution workshops, including Conflict is Inevitable, Combat is Optional, and Embracing Conflict for a Thriving Workplace, as well as a session on Authenticity in Leadership: Thriving as a Human Leader in the Age of AI.
The Leadership & Management and Education Specialty Sections also held meetings on Sunday afternoon to encourage participation and discuss ideas for future engagement.
The American Respiratory Care Foundation raffle winners were announced at lunch on Sunday, with prizes including respiratory care books, t-shirts, an RC Week promotion kit, and cash from the 50/50 raffle. Profits from the ticket sales and donations raised more than $3,000 for the foundation.
Monday: Updates and Next Steps to Take Back
On the final day, attendees listened in on an Agency Update, followed by the Dr. H. Fred Helmholtz Education Lecture Series, titled “Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Artificial Intelligence in Respiratory Care.” The morning continued with focused sessions: Rethinking Recruitment (engaging diverse student populations), Inhale Innovation, Exhale Resistance (leading change), The Role of Socio‑Academic Culture in Enhancing Learning & Student Success, and Quality Metrics for RT – Improving by Increments. A closing session with Stephanie Waite, MSLOC, BSEd, BCC, titled “The Ripple Effect: Amplifying Conference Learning Across Your Team and Organization,” wrapped up the event and inspired attendees to apply what they learned in their organizations.
AARC would like to thank all of our Summer Forum sponsors ABM Respiratory Care, Airgas Therapeutics, Baxter, Concorde Career College, Corvent Medical, Dräger, Medtronic, OneVisionRC, Platinum Educational Group, VERO Biotech, Viatris, and Theravance Biopharma for their support.
For additional pictures and highlights, visit our social media pages and check out the Summer Forum online community in AARConnect.
